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Lauren joined Hertz Farm Management in February 2026 as an Administrative Professional in the Mankato, MN office. 

Lauren earned a B.A. in communications from the University of Iowa. Prior to joining Hertz, she worked as a Project Manager in Portland, Oregon, where she supported the design and production of custom displays for tradeshows and events. 

Born and raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Lauren moved to Mankato in 2023 with her husband, Adam. She is passionate about helping others. 

Elyse joined Hertz Farm Management in March 2026 with a background in property valuation and real estate. She became a licensed Real Estate Agent in 2018 and has experience assisting clients through complex decisions.

Prior to joining Hertz, Elyse worked as an Agricultural Appraiser for Blue Earth County, specializing in analyzing property values, market trends, and tax assessments. Her experience in both appraisal and real estate provides a well-rounded perspective that helps landowners better understand the value of their property to help them make informed decisions. She is currently a member of the National Association of Realtors, Realtors of Minnesota, and Realtors Association of Southern Minnesota.

In her spare time, Elyse values time spent with family and enjoying the outdoors.

Brian joined Hertz Farm Management as a licensed real estate broker in the Monticello, Illinois office after a 38-year career in agricultural and commercial banking. Throughout his career, Brian built lasting relationships with farmers, landowners, and rural businesses, helping clients navigate lending, real estate, and long-term financial decisions. His extensive background gives him a well-rounded perspective on farmland ownership, investment, and rural real estate transactions.

A native of Mahomet, Illinois, Brian earned both a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Biology with a minor in Chemistry and a Master of Business Administration from Eastern Illinois University. He further strengthened his agricultural finance expertise by completing the ABA National School of Agri-Finance and Banking and the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin. Brian became a licensed Illinois Real Estate Broker in 2020 and has successfully represented farmland transactions throughout central Illinois.

Brian has remained actively involved in his community throughout his career. He currently serves on the Piatt County Soil & Water Conservation District Board of Directors and has previously served as City Treasurer for Monticello, a member of the Police Pension Board of Trustees, president of the Rotary Club of Monticello, and in several leadership roles within his church and local civic organizations. He resides in Monticello, Illinois, where he continues to serve landowners with the knowledge, integrity, and commitment developed over four decades in agricultural finance and real estate. 

Chloe Van Etten joined Hertz Farm Management as an Appraisal Trainee in June of 2026. Chloe is a recent graduate of the University of Northern Iowa, where she earned a triple major in Finance, Real Estate, and Business Management. During her time at the University of Northern Iowa, she held various executive roles in the Women’s Club Volleyball program.

Chloe’s interest in the agriculture field comes from both of her parents working in the agricultural lending industry. This led her to an internship with Hertz Farm Management in the Mount Vernon office during the summer of 2025. She recently obtained her Iowa Real Estate License and Appraisal Trainee License and is working toward becoming a Certified General Appraiser in Iowa.

In her free time, she loves to travel, spend time with family, and spend time outdoors. She is a current member of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers.

Colin joined Hertz Farm Management in June 2026 as a Farm Manager in the Omaha office. He graduated from Iowa State University in May 2026 with a bachelor's degree in Business Management and a minor in Marketing. During his time at Iowa State, Colin was actively involved in FarmHouse Fraternity and developed an interest in the business side of agriculture and real estate.

As a sixth-generation farmer from Monmouth, Illinois, Colin gained firsthand experience in agriculture through his family's row crop operation. From working on the farm at a young age to gaining experience through internships in the agricultural industry, he developed a strong understanding of both production agriculture and agricultural business.

Outside of work, Colin enjoys golfing, fishing, watching baseball, spending time outdoors, and spending time with family and friends.